Center for Neuroregeneration
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About the Center
Signature projects include a focus on restoration of locomotor and sensory function through neural stimulation and promotion of innate regenerative capacity through cell and gene therapy. Researchers have also harnessed the tools of cell engineering to create human neural circuits within experimental microenvironments to better model disease and produce neural replacement parts for repair of the brain and spinal cord.
Our Directors
Center Director
Philip J. Horner, PhD
Scientific Director, Neuroregeneration
Co-Director, Regenerative & Restorative Neurosurgery
Vice Chairman-Research,Neurosurgery
Houston Methodist Research Institute
Center Co-Director
Gavin W. Britz, MBBCh, MPH, MBA, FAANS
Chair, Department of Neurosurgery
Director, Center for Regenerative and
Restorative Neurosurgery
Co-Director, Neurosciences Research Program
Director, Neurological Institute
Quarterly Newsletter
Education & Outreach
We provide training and mentorship to students from:
- University of Houston, Houston, TX
- Texas A&M, College Station, TX
- Baylor University, Waco, TX
- Duke University, Durham, NC
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
- LARCEL, Sevilla, Spain
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- University of St Thomas, Houston, TX
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Spring Seminar Series: Neural Control of Organ Disease and Regeneration
The Neural Control of Organ Disease and Regeneration seminar series focusses on the neural control of organ degeneration and regeneration. This course is intended to complement research in organ regeneration, stem cell biology and tissue engineering by addressing the gaps in our knowledge of how the nervous system influences not only organ development, but also disease evolution and organ degeneration. The course will be team taught with each session comprised of clinical perspective on development and disease followed by an introduction to specific organ system regeneration approaches. Each session will conclude with class participation in formulating research questions and problem-solving. A diverse faculty has been incorporated into the training program, featuring labs from Baylor College of Medicine, Rice University, McGovern Medical School at University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, University of Houston and the Houston Methodist Research Institute.
We are always open to exploring new and exciting opportunities, if you would like to work with us, do not hesitate to send us an email.
Job & Training Opportunities
We are always on the lookout for exceptional talent. If you are interested in any of the positions listed below, please email us your CV, Cover Letter and the position you are interested in. Incomplete applications will not be considered. You will also be required to complete an online application form on the Houston Methodist Careers webpage.
Neural Control of Organ Degeneration and Regeneration (NeuralCODR) is an NIH-funded, cutting-edge, and cross-disciplinary training program at the intersection of neurophysiology and organ engineering/modeling with a thoughtful integration of statistical methodology and experimental design. The training format is distinct from established physiology or molecular neuroscience training programs in several ways:
- Offers new perspectives on how the brain and organ systems interact in disease and repair.
- Drives collaborations and training across the disciplines of molecular neuroscience, neural modulation, and organ function.
- Brings non-neuroscience into neuroscience.
- Provides hands-on clinical experience, mentorship, and access to clinical data and materials.
We are currently recruiting for our next cohort of T32-funded postdoctoral fellows. Learn more >
Interested in pursuing a Weill Cornell Neuroscience PhD in Houston? The Houston Methodist Neuroscience Program offers:
- Burgeoning academic group of neuroscientists focused on systems neuroscience, plasticity, and regeneration.
- Broad research opportunities spanning from cell model systems to human neuroscience research.
- Emerging educational hub that combines undergraduate, graduate, T32-funded postgraduates and resident trainees.
Interested in pursuing a Weill Cornell Neuroscience PhD in Houston? Learn More >
If you are interested in a graduate student opportunity, summer internship, or in volunteering within any of the labs at the Center for Neuroregeneration, please write to specific laboratories listed below.
Neuroplasticity and Repair Lab:
The Horner Lab focuses on the role of glial and neural progenitor cells in the regeneration of the injured and aging nervous system. Our laboratory seeks researchers to create cell and molecular tools for gene therapy, genetically engineer neural stem cells and assist with RNA and protein analyses in cell and animal studies. We are looking for research assistants and lab staff to utilizes skills to provide technical research laboratory support in performing research experiments, maintains records of data collected, assist in the organization, tabulation, and analysis of data. The ideal candidate will have educational and practical experience in neuroscience and/or neurobiology. Expertise is required in general cell/molecular biology including cell culture, cellular phenotyping, virus construction and production, gene transfection techniques, cloning, CRISPR editing, gene, and protein expression analysis. Please send Curriculum Vitae, statement of research interests and future objectives, and list of three references to Dr. Philip Horner at pjhorner@houstonmethodist.org
Astrocellular Therapeutics Lab:
The Astrocellular Therapeutics Lab is focused on utilizing multi-cellular brain and spinal cord circuits generated in our laboratory from human pluripotent stem cells in order to strategically address questions related to nervous response to post-injury environments and repair to restore functionality. Our goal is to uncover the signaling mechanisms activated in response to noxious extracellular stimuli as well as to devise strategies to alter this response. Interested candidates may write to Dr. Robert Krencik at rkrencik@houstonmethodist.org
The Neuromodulation and Recovery Laboratory:
The Sayenko Lab is actively seeking individuals interested in human movement research and rehabilitation. Current projects are multidisciplinary and include the investigation of the effects and mechanisms of neuromodulation to promote functional recovery and mobility after neurological injuries and disorders, such as spinal cord injury or stroke.
The research coordinator will coordinate the research study and gather patient data for clinical research activities via methods specified in the study protocol and perform general administrative duties supporting the study. Preference will be given to applicants with prior research experience, particularly in motor control or neuromotor rehabilitation. Bachelor's or master's degree in biomedical engineering, neuroscience, kinesiology, or a related field is ideal. Must be able to work independently and with a team. Must be willing to learn how to operate the different software. Familiarity with EMG, motion capture/analysis, electrical or electromagnetic neurostimulation, MATLAB, and statistical methodology is preferred. Please send Curriculum Vitae, statement of research interests and future objectives, and list of three references to Dr. Dimitry Sayenko at dgsayenko@houstonmethodist.org
Brain Periphery Research Lab:
In the Villapol Lab, we are investigating the contribution of peripheral inflammation, sex differences, and gut microbiota to brain pathology. Our overarching research goal is to provide a sound basis for developing novel therapies for patients suffering from a brain injury while performing exploratory research in the avenue of brain trauma and stroke. Our overall goal is to identify new treatments to restore the injured brain. Interested applicants should be skilled in general rodent models of brain injury (stroke, traumatic brain injury models, or similar), must have an ability to perform in vivo animal work, analyze data, and write and publish manuscripts. In addition, applicants must have excellent organizational and communication skills, with documented experience in molecular biology, rodent surgery. Experience in gnotobiotic mouse model systems and research experience utilizing rodents for behavioral assays is desired but not required. The candidate will have the opportunity to do basic science and pre-clinical research as they will work in a translational research environment. Please send Curriculum Vitae, statement of research interests and future objectives, and list of three references to Dr. Sonia Villapol at svillapol@houstonmethodist.org
Neuroepigenetics lab:
The Neuroepigenetics Lab is interested in understanding how the regenerative capacity in multicellular organisms is governed in the nervous system after injury. We use combinatorial approaches including next-generation sequencing, molecular biology and fluorescence imaging to study the interaction between neural repair and human pathologies at different stages of development. In particular, we are interested in the m6A epitranscriptomic mechanisms regulating RNA trafficking, localization, and translation, as well as how dysfunction of these mechanisms could be linked to brain disorders. The long-term goal is to use knowledge obtained from these analyses to guide therapeutic approaches for treatment of injuries, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Please send Curriculum Vitae, statement of research interests and future objectives, and list of three references to Dr. Yi-Lan Weng at yweng@houstonmethodist.org
Our Research Labs
Neuroplasticity & Repair
Horner Lab
The Neuroplasticity & Repair lab specializes in neural stem cell biology, neural activity and stimulation, robotics, cell growth, myelin and the genetic regulation of plasticity. Signature projects include a focus on restoration of locomotor and sensory function through neural stimulation and promotion of innate regenerative capacity through cell and gene therapy. Researchers have also harnessed the tools of cell engineering to create human neural circuits within experimental microenvironments to better model disease and produce neural replacement parts for repair of the brain and spinal cord.
Astrocellular Therapeutics
Krencik Lab
The Astrocellular Therapeutics lab is specifically focused on understanding the functional relationship of human neurons and astrocytes in normal and injured states. We employ novel three-dimensional human pluripotent stem cell-based culture techniques, electrophysiology, transplantations and molecular/biochemical approaches to regenerate neural cell types.
Neuromodulation & Recovery
Sayenko Lab
The Neuromodulation & Recovery lab is focused on the development of neuromodulatory strategies to promote functional recovery and mobility after neuromuscular disorders and injuries, including stroke and spinal cord injury. We employ a wide variety of approaches and techniques in our research, which include epidural and transcutaneous spinal stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, as well as electromyography, kinematic analysis, posturography, and neuroimaging.
Brain Periphery Research
Villapol Lab
The Brain Periphery lab is focus on the pursuit of novel neurorestorative treatments for debilitating brain injuries to open the door to alternative therapies that repair and recovery in the damaged brain through the periphery. Our research interests are mainly focused on the elucidating of mechanisms of cell death, gliosis, inflammation, and neurogenesis via models of brain damage (ischemia and trauma), and how inflammatory mediators connect the brain with the periphery.
Neuroepigenetics
Weng Lab
The Neuroepigenetics lab is interested in understanding how the regenerative capacity is governed in the nervous system. We use combinatorial approaches including next-generation sequencing, molecular biology and fluorescence imaging to study the epitranscriptomic mechanisms in neural repair and human pathologies at different stages of development.
Genome Damage Repair
Hedge Lab
The Genome Damage Repair lab is focused on delineating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. The primary emphasis of his research is genome damage, repair, inhibitions/deficiencies in neurons and exploring DNA Damage Response (DDR) targeted approaches in preventing neuronal dysfunction.
Cerebrovascular Research
Britz Lab
The Cerebrovascular Research lab studies brain microcirculation in normal and pathological conditions. we employ various in vitro and in vivo techniques to better understand the intimate relations between the initial causes, the changes in microcirculation and the role of the latter in brain damage.
Glioblastoma Research
Rostomily Lab
The Glioblastoma Research lab is involved in diverse projects that address basic and translational biology of brain cancers, with a primary focus on glioblastoma (GBM). Our basic science interests revolve around the role of the Twist1 transcription factor as a regulator of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in GBM.
Get In Touch
Department of Neurosurgery
Houston Methodist Research Institute
6670 Bertner Ave.
Houston, TX 77030
CNR@houstonmethodist.org
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